The Complete List of Android OS Versions Over Time

When it comes to the most successful operating system today, Android undoubtedly takes the spotlight. Built on a Linux foundation, Android OS has gained widespread popularity across the globe, where its user base surpasses that of the official Windows OS.

One of the key reasons behind Android's success lies in its open-source nature. This flexibility allows developers and manufacturers to modify and customize the operating system to suit their needs, resulting in a variety of unique user interfaces.

Some of the most notable examples include Xiaomi’s MIUI, Samsung’s OneUI, and ASUS’s ZenUI. These interfaces are customized versions of Android, designed by smartphone manufacturers to enhance the overall user experience.

Android’s ongoing evolution owes much to Google, which has been the driving force behind the OS. Google consistently rolls out exciting new features and updates, ensuring that Android remains innovative and user-friendly.

These updates are introduced incrementally through new versions, typically released once a year. Let’s explore the latest version and its highlights.

Android 15 - Vanilla Ice Cream

Released in September 2024, Android 15, also known as Vanilla Ice Cream, introduced a range of innovative features designed to enhance functionality and security.

One standout feature is App Archiving, which allows users to archive rarely used apps without deleting their data, making it easier to free up storage space without losing important information. Another great addition is Private Space, which creates a secure environment for locking apps that contain sensitive information.

The integration of artificial intelligence in Android 15 brought automatic customization to the forefront, enabling the OS to offer relevant suggestions based on user habits. For devices with foldable screens, this version introduced enhanced optimizations, providing smoother transitions between screens and ensuring apps adapt seamlessly to different usage modes.

Privacy and security were also significantly improved. The new Privacy Dashboard gives users more detailed control over app permissions, while theft protection allows them to remotely lock or track lost devices.

Android 15 also introduced partial screen recording, a feature that lets users record specific sections of the screen, and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology, which improves the precision of device location tracking.

Additionally, Android 15 introduced seamless updates, allowing the system to install updates in the background without disrupting user activities. This feature ensures that users can continue their tasks uninterrupted while their devices remain up-to-date.

Android 14 - Upside Down Cake

Android 14 introduced several updates aimed at enhancing performance, security, and the overall user experience. This version focuses on improving battery efficiency, allowing devices to last longer on a single charge, while also optimizing app performance for faster and smoother responsiveness.

Customization options received a significant boost with Android 14. Through Material You, users can enjoy a broader color palette and interactive widgets. Additionally, the system now supports font scaling up to 200% without disrupting app layouts, making it more accessible.

In terms of security, Android 14 offers tighter controls over location data shared with apps and introduces a no-animated PIN feature to safeguard privacy from prying eyes. Data-saving mode has also been improved, so users can specify which apps can access data when the feature is active.

Digital health features have seen enhancements, including sleep reminders and more detailed statistics on device usage time. For foldable devices, multitasking support and smoother app transitions make the experience even more seamless.

Android 13 - Tiramisu

Development for Android 13 began in February 2022, with the beta version released in April and the final version in August of the same year. Internally nicknamed Tiramisu, Android 13 debuted on Google’s Pixel 7 series.

This version introduced several improvements and adjustments, such as the ability to select a color palette for the interface based on the dominant color of the wallpaper. The Bedtime Mode feature allowed users to adjust the theme and app colors to match the wallpaper tone, creating a more cohesive visual experience.

One of the standout features in Android 13 was Panlingual, which enabled users to assign different languages to individual apps. This functionality, previously available only in certain applications, became a native feature, offering greater flexibility in managing app language preferences.

Another addition was the introduction of notification permissions, called Post Notifications. Similar to location permissions, this feature allowed users to decide whether apps could send notifications to their devices during runtime.

Other remarkable updates included support for Bluetooth Low Energy Audio (LE Audio), enhancements to the Material You design, and the Android Resource Economy (TARE) feature to optimize battery consumption.

Android 12 - Snow Cone

Although Android dropped the use of dessert-themed names in its marketing after Android 10, internally, Android 12 was nicknamed Snow Cone. Released in 2022, this version first appeared on the Google Pixel 6 and its Pro variant.

Android 12 marked the debut of a dynamic customization feature that aligned the color scheme of the interface with the wallpaper. Known as Material You, this feature automatically adjusted the color of icons and widgets to match the chosen wallpaper, creating a more personalized aesthetic.

The update also introduced native scrolling screenshots, eliminating the need for third-party apps or smartphone-specific modifications.

Security improvements included real-time indicators that displayed whenever an app accessed the microphone or camera. A new Privacy Dashboard provided a detailed overview of apps that had accessed sensitive permissions, such as location, microphone, and camera, in the past 24 hours.

Auto-rotate mode saw an innovative upgrade, utilizing the selfie camera to determine the orientation of the user’s face. This ensured that the phone maintained the correct orientation even when users were lying on their side.

Sharing WiFi passwords became easier with the introduction of QR code sharing. Users could generate a QR code for their WiFi network, which friends could scan to connect without needing to enter the password manually.

Android 11 - Red Velvet Cake

Released in 2020, Android 11 introduced several great features designed to enhance user experience, security, and device management. Some key updates include Bubbles, Conversation Notifications, Voice Access, Media Control, Device Control, One-Time Permissions, Background Location controls, Permission Auto-reset, Scoped Storage, and various design refinements.

One standout improvement is the revamped notification system. Notifications can now be grouped by the app for better organization.

Additionally, the introduction of a notification history feature lets users review past alerts. Notifications are further divided into two categories: main notifications and priority notifications, with the latter appearing at the top for easier access.

Android 11 also brought a built-in screen recording feature, app recommendations, and smart home controls. The enhanced “Do Not Disturb” mode allows users to filter less important conversations, offering more control over interruptions.

Stricter app permissions were another significant addition. Android 11 enables users to grant temporary access to sensitive data such as contacts, location, camera, or microphone, bolstering security and privacy.

The Media Control feature, akin to AirPlay in the iOS Control Center, provides seamless media management across devices. Other updates include new emojis, the ability to schedule dark mode, and the option to pin frequently used apps or items in the share menu, streamlining everyday tasks.

Additional features like Picture-in-Picture mode with customizable sizes and positions, long scrolling screenshots, and even hidden mini-games further enrich the experience of using Android 11.

Android 10 - Quince Tart

Android 10, the successor to Android 9 Pie, marked a shift in Google's naming conventions by dropping dessert-themed names in favor of version numbers. Originally referred to as Android Q, this version introduced a range of practical and innovative features.

One of the most prominent updates was the introduction of Dark Mode, which not only reduces eye strain in low-light environments but also helps save battery life on devices with OLED screens.

Android 10 also introduced Live Caption, a feature that generates subtitles for any video or audio content, even without an internet connection. This addition is particularly helpful for accessibility and convenience.

The Sound Amplifier feature improved audio clarity by reducing background noise during video recording, while the Smart Reply function allowed users to respond to messages directly from notifications without leaving their current app.

Parental controls were enhanced with Family Link, a tool enabling parents to monitor and manage their children’s device usage. Android 10 also saw improved notification controls, such as options to disable sound or prevent the screen from lighting up for certain alerts.

Gesture navigation was another significant change, offering a more intuitive way to interact with the interface. Enhanced security features, including stricter permissions for apps accessing sensitive data, further solidified Android 10 as a reliable and user-focused operating system.

Android 9.0 - Pie

Introduced in 2018, Android 9.0 Pie was the follow-up to Android Oreo and became the default operating system for smartphones released in 2019. This version focused on intelligent features and user-friendly design enhancements.

One of the most significant updates was support for smartphones with notches, reflecting the growing trend in mobile design. Smart Reply for notifications allowed users to select or block alerts from specific apps, while Lockdown Mode offered a way to secure the device by temporarily disabling notifications and biometric unlocking.

The ability to edit screenshots directly from the interface made its debut in Android Pie, along with gesture-based navigation similar to that of iOS. This feature simplified navigation, allowing users to swipe left or right effortlessly.

Adaptive Battery was another standout addition. Using artificial intelligence (AI), this feature prioritized power usage for frequently used apps, helping to extend battery life by optimizing resource allocation.

Android Pie also introduced a refreshed graphical interface, including a redesigned quick settings menu and notification tray. The new interface featured more white space, rounded corners, and colorful icons in the settings menu, creating a modern and visually appealing look.

Android 8.0 - Oreo

Android 8.0, better known as Oreo, takes its name from the popular chocolate biscuit, becoming the second branded snack to inspire an Android operating system name after KitKat

So, what features does Android Oreo offer? Here are some of the key highlights:

• Background Limit: This feature restricts the activity of apps running in the background to improve performance and battery life.
• Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Allows you to run two apps simultaneously, such as watching a YouTube video while chatting on WhatsApp.
• Notification Dots: Displays small dots on app icons to indicate unread notifications.
• Android Instant Apps: Lets you use certain apps directly from your browser without downloading them.
• Enhanced Google Play Store Security: Improves app safety and security measures.
• New Emojis: Introduces 60 additional emojis for more expressive communication.

Android Oreo also brought the Android 8.1 update, which introduced Android Oreo Go Edition, an optimized version designed for phones with lower specifications.

Additionally, the update revamped the design of the Power Off and Restart buttons, making them more accessible with a floating button interface.

Android 7.0 - Nougat

Nougat, the successor to Marshmallow, is Android version 7.0 and comes with significant updates and exciting features. Here are some of the most notable ones:

• Screen Zoom: Adjust the display size for better accessibility.
• Unicode 9.0 Emoji and Skin Tone Support: Includes new emojis and skin tone options.
• “Clear All” Button: Quickly close all open apps with one tap.
• Daydream VR Support: Enables a virtual reality interface.
• Enhanced Quick Settings: Provides more options for faster access to settings.
• App Switching with Double Tap: Switch between recent apps instantly.
• Vulkan API: Offers improved 3D graphics rendering for better gaming experiences.
• Data Saver Mode: Reduces background data usage for apps.
• JIT Compiler: Speeds up app installations by up to 75%.

Nougat also introduced versions 7.1, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2, each adding enhancements. Version 7.1 included features like Night Light, keyboard image insertion, and Daydream VR Mode, while 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 focused on further refinements, particularly for Nexus devices.

Android 6.0 - Marshmallow

Marshmallow, the successor to Lollipop, brought thoughtful enhancements that prioritized user control and efficiency. One of the most impactful changes was the introduction of granular app permissions.

Instead of granting apps automatic access to sensitive information like contacts or storage, users were prompted to manually approve or deny these permissions as needed. This feature applied to all apps built for Marshmallow, though some older apps retained automatic permissions.

Another key feature was Doze Mode, which optimized battery usage by reducing background activity when the device was idle. Marshmallow also introduced support for fingerprint sensors, enhancing security and enabling convenient unlocking.

The inclusion of USB Type-C support further modernized Android devices, providing faster charging and data transfer capabilities.

Android 5.0 - Lolipop

Continuing the tradition of naming Android versions alphabetically after sweet treats, Google chose "Lollipop" for version 5.0. Announced at the Google I/O developer conference on June 25, 2014, Android 5.0 Lollipop marked a significant step forward with the introduction of “Material Design.”

This new design philosophy emphasized a fresher and more intuitive user interface, featuring grid-based layouts, responsive animations, and seamless transitions. Depth effects, like lighting and shadows, further enhanced the visual appeal of the system.

Beyond its aesthetic improvements, Lollipop also introduced 64-bit ART compiler support, which improved app performance and efficiency.

Another amazing feature was Project Volta, aimed at optimizing battery life. With this feature, devices running Lollipop could achieve up to 30% longer battery life.

Additionally, Android 5.0 introduced Factory Reset Protection, a security measure designed to prevent unauthorized access. If a lost or stolen device was reset, it would require the associated Google account credentials to proceed, making it harder for thieves to use or sell the device.

Android 4.4 - KitKat

Android 4.4, known as KitKat, followed Jelly Bean in both version number and the tradition of sweet-themed names. This version, introduced on September 3, 2013, was named after the iconic chocolate brand with permission from Nestlé and Hershey, the brand owners.

KitKat brought several enhancements, including a refreshed interface. The status bar and navigation bar on the home screen became transparent, giving the OS a modern look.

The Chromium-based WebView improved browsing performance, while the addition of Bluetooth Message Access Profile (MAP) support enhanced device connectivity.

One of the key features of KitKat was its optimization for devices with lower specifications, ensuring smoother performance on less powerful hardware.

Other additions included a new framework for UI transitions, better support for integrated screen activities, and experimental features like infrared support and virtual machine updates.

Android 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 - Jelly Bean

Android Jelly Bean succeeded Ice Cream Sandwich and introduced numerous enhancements that made the operating system smarter and more responsive.

Launched as version 4.1, Jelly Bean improved the user interface with smoother transitions, customizable keyboards, and support for additional languages.

Users could now disable notifications for specific apps, and the camera application saw significant improvements. Features like multichannel audio and Bluetooth data transfer via Android Beam further enriched the experience.

Google services also received attention in this update. Voice search was enhanced, Google+ contact photos became available in higher resolution, and Google Chrome became the default browser. Jelly Bean also introduced Google Now, a proactive search tool, and allowed users to use app widgets without requiring root access.

Subsequent updates, versions 4.2 and 4.3, brought further refinements. Android 4.2 focused on bug fixes, interface tweaks, and accessibility enhancements, such as pan-and-zoom gestures with two fingers and triple-tap zoom for the entire screen.

Android 4.3, on the other hand, catered to gamers with support for OpenGL ES 3.0 and added native emoji support, 4K resolution compatibility, and DRM API changes. System capabilities were also improved for better performance overall.

Android 4.0 - Ice Cream Sandwich

Android 4.0, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich, succeeded Honeycomb and served as an update to Android Gingerbread for smartphones. Released on October 19, 2011, this version was designed to be compatible with Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

Ice Cream Sandwich introduced a wide range of features that quickly became popular among third-party app developers. One of its standout additions was the ability to customize the launcher, which led to the creation of various innovative launchers by developers.

Other key features included easier folder creation through drag-and-drop, improved audio capabilities, and a built-in screenshot function, accessible by pressing and holding the power and volume-down buttons simultaneously. This screenshot feature, in particular, remains widely used to this day.

Additional enhancements included direct app access from the lock screen, face unlock functionality, and the Chrome browser as the default browser.

The update also introduced cellular data usage monitoring, the ability to stop background data consumption, and support for multiple camera modes, a built-in photo editor, and 1080p video recording.

Android 4.0 received minor updates in the form of versions 4.0.3 and 4.0.4. These updates brought improvements to APIs, enhanced functionality, better camera performance, and bug fixes.

Android 3.0 - Honeycomb

Android 3.0, also known as Honeycomb, was launched in February 2011 and specifically designed for tablet devices. As a result, no smartphones used this version of Android at the time.

Optimized for tablets, Honeycomb introduced features tailored to larger screens, such as a new virtual, "holographic" user interface, along with a system bar, action bar, and multitasking thumbnails.

The UI also saw significant updates, including revamped interfaces for contacts and email. Additionally, Honeycomb made copying and pasting simpler and introduced support for hardware acceleration. For the first time, Android was able to run on multi-core processors.

Honeycomb received incremental updates starting with version 3.1, which improved UI design, added support for USB accessories, allowed for customizable screen widgets, and enabled the use of external devices such as portable keyboards and game controllers. This version also added support for FLAC audio playback.

Version 3.2 brought further enhancements, including support for the first generation of Google TV, optimized screen resolution support, and several other improvements. Subsequent updates from 3.2.1 to 3.2.6 focused on refining features and fixing bugs.

Android 2.3 - Gingerbread

Android 2.3, widely known as Gingerbread, debuted in late 2010 and introduced a suite of features that significantly enhanced the capabilities of Android smartphones.

One of the hallmark innovations was its support for larger screen resolutions, including WXGA and beyond, paving the way for devices with expansive displays. Another breakthrough was the introduction of Near Field Communication (NFC), a technology that remains integral to many modern devices.

Gingerbread also expanded hardware compatibility, incorporating support for barometer and gyroscope sensors. It brought enhancements to multimedia functionality, adding support for WebM/VP8 video formats and AAC audio codecs.

The user experience saw substantial improvements, with a revamped interface, better audio performance, refined copy-and-paste mechanics, and—perhaps most notably—multi-camera functionality. This enabled devices to feature both front and rear cameras, a standard in today’s smartphones.

Subsequent updates, ranging from versions 2.3.1 to 2.3.7, introduced incremental improvements. These included video chat integration via Google Talk, optimized battery performance, and shadow animation effects for smoother visuals.

Version 2.3.6 focused on resolving minor bugs, while version 2.3.7 added support for Google Wallet on the Nexus S 4G, marking another step forward in mobile payment systems.

Android 2.2 - Froyo

The next iteration of Android, version 2.2, is known as Froyo, short for "frozen yogurt." Officially introduced on May 20, 2010, Froyo brought a host of innovative features that enhanced both performance and usability.

Key features introduced in Froyo include:

• Android Cloud to Device Messaging (C2DM): Enables seamless communication between devices.
• Enhanced Microsoft Exchange support: Improves enterprise functionality.
• USB tethering and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality: Expands connectivity options.
• File uploads in web browsers: Allows users to upload files directly through browser applications.
• Gesture support for zooming: Makes it easier to enlarge images in the gallery.
• Support for higher screen densities: Compatible with devices featuring up to 320 PPI.
• Web animation compatibility: Includes support for displaying GIFs.
• Optimized storage and performance: Improves device speed and efficiency.
• Mobile data toggle: Provides users with the ability to enable or disable mobile network data.
• Adobe Flash support: Enhances multimedia capabilities.
• Bluetooth-enabled car and desk dock support: Expands device versatility.
• App storage on external memory: Allows users to save applications to external storage.

One of the standout additions in Froyo was the automatic app update feature in the Android Market, streamlining the app management process for users.

Froyo also received several incremental updates:

• Version 2.2.3: Marked the final Froyo release, introducing two critical security patches.
• Version 2.2.1: Focused on bug fixes and performance improvements.
• Version 2.2.2: Addressed minor issues, including an SMS bug on Nexus One devices.

Android 2.0 - Eclair

Android 2.0, or Eclair, marked a significant evolution in the Android ecosystem. The name also encompassed versions 2.0.1 and 2.1, which offered incremental improvements over the original release.

Eclair introduced several groundbreaking features, such as support for Bluetooth 2.1, improved SMS and MMS management, and enhanced camera functionality, including flash, optical zoom, skin tone adjustment, color effects, and macro focus.

This version also added synchronization for email accounts and contacts, including integration with Microsoft Exchange, and debuted live wallpaper functionality, which added a dynamic aesthetic to the user interface.

Further refinements included UI optimizations for web browsing, a thumbnail view for enhanced navigation, and broader support for varied screen resolutions and sizes. Performance improvements extended to Google Maps 3.1.2 and introduced support for HTML5, ensuring a more robust and modern web browsing experience.

Android 1.6 - Donut

Android 1.6, also known as Donut, was released in September 2009 and introduced several new features. This version made searching easier, improved text search functionality, and added the option to delete multiple photos at once. Gesture capabilities were also enhanced, making the user experience smoother.

Other notable features included support for CDMA/EVDO technology, 802.1x, VPN, and a text recognition engine. Donut also introduced compatibility with screens that have WVGA resolution.

Additionally, the Android Market was updated to allow users to preview application snippets, making it easier to decide which apps to download.

Android 1.5 - Cupcake

Android 1.5 was the first version of Android to receive an official name inspired by sweet treats. It was named "Cupcake," following the earlier versions, Alpha and Beta. The name "Cupcake" not only continued the alphabetical naming tradition but also set the trend for Android versions to be named after desserts.

Released in April 2009, Android 1.5 Cupcake was based on the Linux 2.6.27 kernel and introduced several exciting features. These included support for playing MPEG-4 and 3GP video formats, as well as compatibility with third-party virtual keyboards.

The version also allowed users to upload videos directly to YouTube and photos to Picasa, making it easier to share media online.

Other enhancements included the ability to copy and paste while browsing, animated screen transitions, and showing user photos in favorite contacts. The call log now displayed detailed time and date information, adding more functionality for users.

Android 1.1

Android 1.1, an update to Android 1.0, was released in February 2009. It was notably used on the HTC Dream, the first Android-powered smartphone. This version brought minor improvements and bug fixes, offering a more polished experience compared to its predecessor.

While the changes were not significant, Android 1.1 introduced some useful features, such as the ability to search for business locations on Google Maps, show or hide calls, and attach messages. Interestingly, although Android 1.1 lacked an official dessert name, it was informally referred to as "Petit Four."

Android 1.0

Android 1.0 marked the official launch of the Android operating system in September 2008. It was based on Android Beta, which had been under development for a year before the release.

This version introduced several groundbreaking features for its time. The Android Market, which later evolved into Google Play Store, allowed users to discover and download apps. Essential Google services like Gmail, Google Contacts, Calendar, Maps, Search, and Talk were integrated into the system.

Android 1.0 also supported modern features of the era, such as video playback, notifications, voice dialing, and a dedicated YouTube video player. Wallpapers were customizable, and connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth were already part of the system.

This provides a clear overview of the early Android versions, showcasing the evolution of the operating system. With continuous improvements in interface, privacy, and usability, Android has come a long way. Which version of Android are you currently using?